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Bus Éireann To Test Biofuel In Cork

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  • 20-04-2006 6:23pm
    #1
    Victor
    Registered Users Posts: 78,309 ✭✭✭✭


    http://www.buseireann.ie/site/news_centre/press_releases.asp?action=view&news_id=438
    BUS ÉIREANN TO TEST BIOFUEL IN CORK - Vegetable oil to be trialled on buses

    Friday April 14th 2006 – Bus Éireann today announced that it is to pilot the use of biofuel on part of its fleet in Cork city.

    The need to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the increasing cost of fuel has led to a review by the company of more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives

    Currently, the Bus Éireann fleet in Cork, which comprises of approximately 160 vehicles, is run entirely on diesel.

    “Bus Éireann is now closely examining alternative fuel sources to diesel. There is a recognition that the dependence on imported oil has to be reduced, and with rising oil prices and the move towards more sustainable and greener fuel sources, certain alternatives fuel and energy technologies which were previously considered uneconomical are now being re-evaluated,” said a spokesperson.

    The trial of biofuel, to assess its longer viability, is to be carried out on vehicles in the Cork City Tours fleet. An evaluation will follow the pilot and if successful, it is envisaged that the use of biofuel will be extended.

    The biofuel to be used is biodiesel - a blend of standard diesel with 5% biofuel, produced from recovered vegetable oil.

    Fuel Costs

    Fuel is a significant item of expenditure for Bus Éireann. Fuel costs rose to a record €12.5 million in 2005, 5% of annual operating costs of the company. In 2005, the company utilised 21,000 tonnes of oil.

    CIE Programme

    The Bus Éireann pilot is part of an overall CIÉ review of the viability of using biofuels and bio diesel.

    CIE’s annual fuel requirement for 2005 is 84,000 tonnes with the fuel requirement of each company being: Irish Rail 38,000 tonnes, Dublin Bus 25,000 and Bus Eireann 21,000.

    The total cost of fuel in 2004 for the companies exceeded €34 million, whilst taking into consideration that it is CIE policy to hedge its fuel requirement 12 to 18 months in advance. To date fuel costs have increased by 40% in 2005 compared to 2004 prices. It is predicted that by 2006 fuel for the CIÉ Companies will cost twice the amount it did in 2003.

    Issued by:
    Media and Public Relations, Bus Éireann


Comments

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    #2
    Chris_533976
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,082 ✭✭✭Chris_533976


    Good idea.

    I saw this biofuel on sale in Germany a while back, about 30% cheaper than 'normal' fuel.

    At least they're making an effort over here. If they'd use the extra money on training the bus drivers to be less grumpy it might help more :D


  • Options
    #3
    lostexpectation
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,082 ✭✭✭lostexpectation


    again 5%??? even for a trial that sounds like a waste of time


  • Options
    #4
    dowlingm
    Registered Users Posts: 5,319 ✭✭✭dowlingm


    lostexpectation

    not so. 5% and 20% are the standard grades, and given biodiesel's effect on engine lines and increased dissolved solids from sludgey fuel tanks you're better off starting with 5% and working up. B20 also has problems with cold temps so again running through a winter with 5% is a prudent regime for a trial.


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